Lebara Mobile PAC code: keep your number when changing mobile operators

If you want to take your number with you when changing networks then you’ll need a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). That’s true of every network, but with this article we’re looking specifically at the process of joining or leaving Lebara.

Below then, you’ll find a clear step by step guide to leaving Lebara and transferring your number to a new network – including how to get a PAC code and what to do with it.

Then further down you’ll find the process for joining Lebara from another network and bringing your number with you.

Leaving Lebara and transferring your number

As noted, you need to get a PAC code from Lebara if you want to take your number with you to a new network when leaving, so that’s the first step of transferring your number. We’ve explained how to do that below, followed by what to do next.

Before you start the process though, be aware that you shouldn’t cancel your Lebara plan – it will be cancelled automatically once your number is transferred, and if you cancel it before that then you’ll lose your number.

Step 1 - Request a Lebara PAC code

Requesting a PAC code off Lebara is the first step and it’s also very easy to do, as you can just send a text to get it. However, there’s also an online form you can fill in if you’d prefer. Below you can see details of both options.

• Text to switch - Text the word ‘PAC’ to 65075
• Online – Fill in this form

This code is valid for 30 days, but if you don’t use it before it expires then you can simply request a new one using the same methods.

Step 2 - Order a new phone or SIM

Next it’s time to order a new phone or SIM Only plan from the network you’re joining, though if you’ve already done this, that’s fine, as you can do these first two steps in any order.

If you need some inspiration, take a look at our phone deals and SIM Only deals pages, where you’ll find all sorts of great offers on a wide variety of networks – including exclusive deals at times.

Once you’ve placed your order, just wait for it to arrive, then activate your new SIM card and proceed to step 3.

Step 3 - Give your Lebara PAC code to your new network

Finally, you’ll want to give your Lebara PAC code to the new network you’ve joined. Generally you have to have received and activated your new SIM card first, but in some cases you can do this during checkout.

If you’re reading this step though, presumably that wasn’t an option for the network you joined, or it would have been obvious during the order process.

In which case, you usually just have to fill out a simple form, and you’ll find details of those for most networks below.

Once complete, your old number will usually be transferred within 1-2 working days, and with that done your Lebara account will automatically be closed.

Joining Lebara and transferring your number

If you’re planning to join Lebara then there’s a similar process to the above, just with different networks involved for certain steps.

Below you’ll find all of those steps, complete with details of how to get a PAC code from the network you’re leaving.

Note however that you shouldn’t cancel your old contract before transferring your number. If you do then you’ll lose that number and have to get a new one.

Step 1 - Request a PAC code from your existing network

The first step as ever is to get a PAC code from your current network. Whatever network you’re with you can do this by texting ‘PAC’ to 65075 from the number you want to keep, but there are other methods for most networks too, and these are detailed below.

Step 2 - Order a new Lebara phone or SIM

With your PAC code in hand it’s time to order a Lebara SIM. You can also do this step before getting your PAC code, it doesn’t matter which order you do it in, because you need both the code and the new SIM card before you can transfer your number.

If you haven’t chosen a deal yet then take a look at the Lebara SIM Only deals on our site to find the perfect fit.

Once you’ve ordered a SIM card, wait for it to arrive, then activate it, and move on to the final step.

Step 3 - Give your PAC code to Lebara

The final step is to give your PAC code to Lebara, which is easy to do. Simply fill out the number transfer form on Lebara’s website. The transfer will then be processed on the date you select, so just pick one where it won’t be too inconvenient if you temporarily lose service (as might happen).

Make sure also that it’s a day when you’ll be in the UK, otherwise the transfer probably won’t complete.

Frequently Asked Questions